Means-tested benefits

When your client enters a care home, they may be still be eligible for certain means-tested benefits. Your client will need to demonstrate that their income, savings and capital are below a certain level to qualify.

Pension credit

Pension Credit is an income-related benefit made up of two parts - Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.

Guarantee Credit tops up your client’s weekly income if it’s below £201.05 (for single people) or £306.85 (for couples).

Savings Credit is an extra payment for people who saved some money towards their retirement, for example a pension.

Your client does not pay tax on Pension Credit.

Use the  to work out how much they might get.

Cold weather payment

If your client is getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest they may also get a Cold Weather Payment if the average temperature in their area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below for 7 consecutive days.

You can see if your client View - eligible.

Funeral payment

Your client could get a Funeral Expenses Payment (also called a Funeral Payment) View - if they get certain benefits and need help to pay for a funeral they’re arranging.

View - Click the claim form notes for full details of what Funeral Expenses Payment covers.

Employee and support allowance

If your client has a disability or health condition that affects how much they can work and they're under View - State Pension age, they may be eligible for View - Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). This allowance could provide: 

  • money to help with living costs if they're unable to work
  • support to get back into work if they're able to

Your client can apply for ESA if they're employed, self-employed or unemployed.

Council tax reduction

Your client could be eligible if they’re on a low income or if they claim benefits. Their bill could be reduced by up to 100%.

Your client can apply if they’re a homeowner or if they rent, and whether they are unemployed or working.

What your client will get depends on:

  • Where they live - each council runs its own scheme.
  • Their circumstances (for example income, number of children, benefits, residency status).
  • Their household income - this includes savings, pensions and their partner’s income.
  • If their children live with them.
  • If other adults live with them.

Council tax reduction isn't available in Northern Ireland.

Universal credit

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your clients living costs. It’s paid monthly - or View - twice a month for some people in Scotland.

Your client may be able to get Universal Credit if:

  • they’re on a low income or unemployed
  • they’re 18 or over (there are some exceptions if they're 16 or 17)
  • they’re under View - State Pension age (or their partner is)
  • your client and their partner have £16,000 or less in savings between them
  • your client lives in the UK.

Benefits information researched and accurate as of October 2023. Not to be relied upon by advisers or their clients.